With the weather finally cooler and the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to begin planning shopping for the season.

Junior League of Grand Rapids is proud to host its 33rd annual Beneath the Wreath, a charitable shopping event, this November 3-4, 2017. During Beneath the Wreath, 100 percent of ticket sales and 15 percent of vendor sales directly benefit the Junior League of Grand Rapids’ community impact projects, which focus on improving children’s physical health. All festivities will take place at The Cultural Center at St. Nicholas, 2250 East Paris Ave. SE in Grand Rapids.

“Beneath the Wreath is a well-loved and cherished charitable shopping event,” said Kiran Sood Patel, Beneath the Wreath committee chair. “This event is so popular because of the extensive variety of boutique items available for purchase. This event is also popular because shoppers know their purchases are directly impacting Junior League of Grand Rapids’ community impact projects focusing on children’s physical health.”

The Beneath the Wreath committee is pleased to introduce special events this year, including a VIP preview party on November 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. called Before the Wreath. At this event, ticket holders will gain access to a fun and festive evening featuring appetizers, drinks, live entertainment and exhibitor deals and specials. Tickets are $40 each and are on sale online until 5 p.m. on October 24.

Beginning on Friday, November 3, Beneath the Wreath will kick off at 9 a.m. There will be more than 40 exhibitors this year, including many new exhibitors. Items available for purchase will include stylish women’s clothing and accessories, holiday and home décor, handmade arts and crafts, children’s clothing, men’s gifts, and specialty local and gourmet foods. Friday evening, guests can enjoy a beverage from 4 to 8 p.m. during Sip and Shop.

"Beneath the Wreath 2017 will feature many favorite exhibitors from past years, as well as 15 new exhibitors to look forward to,” said Antonietta Eliassen, Beneath the Wreath exhibitor chair. “Each year, we have a surplus of applicants. Those applications are presented to a jury made up of Junior League members. We want to offer our shoppers a variety of merchandise at great price points, and that factors into our decision. There is truly something for everyone on your holiday shopping list this year.

“Our exhibitors are bringing beautifully handmade baby gifts, children's clothing and toys, women's clothing, jewelry, and accessories, men's bow ties, socks, grooming products, food gifts, candles, soaps, and home decor! The selection is so impressive, shoppers will want to stock up on hostess gifts, teacher gifts, and pick up a little something for themselves as well."

Saturday morning, November 4, from 9 to 11 a.m., children will be treated to a special visit from Santa Claus during Cookies with Santa. This special event is included with admission to Beneath the Wreath.

Area businesses and designers will transform the west hall of the Cultural Center into an elegant winter wonderland for the Wreath Raffle. Over a dozen spectacularly decorated and donated collectible wreaths will be displayed and available for bids via single tickets during both days of the event. Wreath raffle tickets are $2 each and winners will be drawn on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy delectable sweets and refreshments at Café Noël, and pick up a Junior League cookbook, the perfect holiday hostess gift, at the Junior League booth.

Advance Beneath the Wreath admission tickets are $5 each online at juniorleaguegr.com/beneath-the-wreath and available for purchase in person at YT Galleria, 966 Cherry St SE in Grand Rapids. Tickets available for purchase at the door are $7 each and children 15 years and younger are free.

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